Possible new owner, Is this a good deal? + have a few questions

[Srt4runner]

Hey everyone I just registered for this site and have a few questions.

1. I'm looking at an 01 SR5 4runner 4x4 with tow package, rear a/c and heat, and moon roof that has 99,000 miles on it. It's from the original owner who has ALL the maintenance records, no accidents, never off-roaded or smoked in, and is in awesome condition. Everything works on it. It has had ALL maintenance done to it by Toyota mechanics, including the water pump and timing belt. The undercarriage barely has any rust, and I could not find any leaks around the axle seals or anywhere else for the matter. I got him talked down to $8600.00, does this seem like a good deal?

2. I've been doing some research on here the past few days and I'm concerned with the radiator going bad and leaking coolant into the trans. IS this THAT common? The vehicle is still on its original radiator, but has always had its coolant flushed regularly. Is there an easy way to check is this has occurred? Would this be something I should change out for preventative maintenance?

3. Should the rear axle seals be changed out as a preventative thing?

4. Anything else I should look over before I buy? Toyota wants $180 to check over everything and I don't think it's worth to spend that much when I'm mechanically inclined.

Thanks a lot, and hopefully I'll be joining you guys soon!

 

[techno]

From the sound of it, I think that's a good deal. I haven't heard of the tranny/radiator issue much, so no, it's not that common. Easy checks would be to inspect the fluid condition. Is there coolant in the oil or vise versa? Rear seals, well, thats up to you. Some trucks push 200k with no issues, other start leaking after 50. If you want extra piece of mind then change them, but i wouldn't worry about them too much. The only other thing I recommend you inspect closely are the steering components like inner and outer tie rods, ball joints and cv joints. Just regular things like looseness, boot condition etc.

Welcome to the forum, good luck with your purchase.

 

[Ron Helmuth]

It's a good price in that the maintenance records are available and done by qualified mechanics. And in your market.

Could you find for a better price-probably... could you find one as well kept by this owner-probably not.

Go for it.

 

[Srt4runner]

Thanks guys, I'm hoping I can get at least another 100k miles out of it! From what I've researched these are some tough trucks and that is easily possible. Anyone else have any good information for me?

 

[96743runner]

That sounds like a pretty good find to me. A reasonable price considering that the mileage isn't high and it comes with the records.

As for the coolant/tranny issue, it isn't that common, so I wouldn't be worried about it. And about the rear axle seals, I would just leave the original ones in for now, unless they are already leaking.

4Runners are awesome trucks and with proper maintenance, they can go up to 300k and beyond.

 

[Slippery24]

Sounds like a decent deal. I've had a 96, 97, 98 and 99. Ironically, the most recent one, being the newest, I paid the least for $4250 with 153k. Previous owner thought tranny was going and I talked him down from $6500. Still going strong. The prices vary greatly mostly with miles in mind and your location in country. Miles never an issue here. I've had em from 115k to 220k w/no major issues. The stuff you are talking about with axle seals and radiators leaking is new to me. Never had an issue. Don't waist money and get ripped off with add ons from a Toyota dealer if you have any basic knowledge or can go with much cheaper local shop that has experience with imports. Best info. is right on these forums.

 

[01t4rnr]

If he has kept the truck up that well and as reliable as they are, i personally wouldnt feel the need to do alot of nit picky looking things over. The seller is prob. an honest person and there arent alot of issues with the 3rd gen's at all. I think thats a good deal and you could EASILY get another 100K out of that truck. ONE owner with ALL service records, thats rare - if youre interested in a 3rd gen, id jump on that one. I wouldnt do anything to it as far as axle seals unless they are leaking, drive it and enjoy it. Good luck!

 

[Srt4runner]

Well I'm officially a new owner!!!!! :hatsoff:

I will post pics later. Looking forward to asking more questions (after I use the search button of course). Thanks guys!

 

[01t4rnr]

Well I'm officially a new owner!!!!! :hatsoff:

I will post pics later. Looking forward to asking more questions (after I use the search button of course). Thanks guys!

if its the one in question, you wont regret it- congrats and get to modding already!!:welcome: